Agent Orange Assistance
Introductions

I am the daughter of a Fallen Vietnam Veteran, Dec/Ret/MSgt Oden--20 yrs. I am also the sister of A 22 yr Naval Veteran--Ret/Sr Chief Oden. Since the death of my dad in 98, I have worked to assist veterans with regard to their claims issues. I am not a VSO, but rather a volunteer veteran advocate. Over the years and with the help of others, a vast amount of information has developed which related to herbicide present in Thailand. The collection of evidence spans from 1953-1967. The collection is all of official type documents to include declassified info. My research Partner is Susan Belanger and she too is very involved in the project discussed below.

I have long deemed Susan the Veterans Hound Dog--she is GOOD--she is the wife of a Veteran and shares the same concerns as all of you --exposures. She has devoted an vast amount of her time and efforts regarding the research of in-service exposures. We have worked together going on 2 years now. From 53 THROUGH 64.

Agent Pink and Agent Green was tested on rice paddies. The concept originally was to test the paddies to see if we could destroy food crops in Vietnam without having to go to war--they chose Thailand and Korea to conduct these test prior to deployment of the agents into Vietnam. From 64-65, Agents Orange, White, Blue and Purple where then introduced. From 66-67, the Thai government realized that the agents would kill vectors--locus to be exact that happened to be invading the rice paddies. Against our better judgment according to the report we agreed to provide the agents. During the missions it would later be determined that UNSPRAYED areas had been contaminated due to residual chemicals that had collected on the planes that eventually found there way into the atmosphere and to the ground. Know that UROX and other know chemicals were also present in Thailand. Also during this time frame we ran short of planes to complete spray mission in Vietnam so who was next door but Thailand and our veterans with the ability to handle the task they would soon be ordered to accomplish. Many of you are aware of Air America--they too were also based out of Thailand--two to three locations that I have been able to document to date. Missions into Laos and Cambodia were conducted out of Thailand and included spray mission--also note that during one of these missions it was determined that Sarin was used.

A direct QUOTE from a Congressman, "We know these agents were present in Thailand, the problem in the research has been placing units in locations where the agents were used." Therefore, they have not been included in the law--but know that if one can prove exposure then VA is obligated to grant a claim on behalf of the veteran. I will be providing a CD to the webmaster for his review and hopefully for other to access.

My research consist of more than just herbicide agents but also occupational exposures, distillation of potable water and the DOD Pest Control Program. Know that some occupational chemicals are just as harmful as Agent Orange.Agent Orange has a half life of 9-15 years in surface soil and 25-100 years in subsurface soils. Carbon Tetrachloride has a 100 year half life. A solvent commonly used by the military until the mid sixties when Tricholoehtylene began to substitute Carbon Tet--what would this mean to a pilot ore navigator. Evidence proves that oxygen lines were cleaned with these solvents causing direct exposure to those on board this also included oxygen masks. According to the Flight Surgeon, those dealing with the aircraft in any way would be at high risk for occupational exposures resulting in the onset of illness. Reports also say that those on flight lines where herbicide agents were present were also at a higher risk.

Distillation--all of you drank the water ate the food and showered while deployed to Thailand--Water was provided to you via ground water--rivers, creeks and so on--this water was tanked or pumped into water holding tanks for the purpose of distillation. Official document report two things, they found that many water holding tanks were in side with white lead based paint leading to lead poisoning. Also, during the purification of water algaecides, fungicides and disinfectants are added, heat is applied and the stem or water is then transported through copper tubing into to a clean water holding tank for your use. The reports confirm that due to the application of heat and the presents of copper tubing contaminants such as dioxin --agent orange-- or PCB's dioxin like compounds are enhanced by twice their levels. Also keep in mind that at this point there has been a cross contamination issue--other chemicals crossing with dioxin which lead to a co-mixture of chemicals.

The reports clearly state that urban type system and those on board Naval ships were inadequate in the removal of such contaminants--this purification process was deemed--CO-DISTILLATION. DOD Pest Control Program--my info dates back to 61-63-68--every base or camp overseas or in the CONUS use treated with many harmful agents approved and employed by DOD, daily-monthly. Many were supplied for personal use on your body or were embedded in your uniforms. There was enough to affect your health--according to the information --YES!

The key to our Thailand Veterans exposures was proven in several ways--official military working dog necropsies--(autopsies)--and the Naval Veterans studies ion distillation. The K-9 units had a very high rate of NHL, testicular cancer, kidney disorders, blisters all over the body, neuro disorders and more. --unreal documentation. Also I would like to make all of you very aware of a condition that was prevalent in Thailand--Meliodosis. They appear as large cysts or boils under the skin--many have to have a medical person lance them--this condition could have been present early on or could be delayed up to 25-30 years. This is a very serious condition one needs to act on. This condition is caused by contaminated water and food, it is a bacteria, and attaches major organs--it is considered fatal if not addressed. These lumps are sign of a serious infection with in the body.

The three projects my research partner Sue and I have long worked on all tends to go hand in hand. I have only touched on the issue in a very minor way. Our goal is to assist the Thailand Veterans in attaining legislation which will provide them the same considerations provided to other veterans having served in locations affected by harmful agents. We are also seeking provision in law to address occupational exposures. many of these exposures can have immediate affects and or long delayed affects. Some of the conditions can manifest 20-30-40-50-60 years after exposure occurs.

We are also attempting to help make all veterans aware of all that they encountered in service that has possibly lead to the onset of such illnesses. We will also continue to assist our veterans with their claims. My dad died not knowing. My brother now knows too much. Both were Vietnam Veterans--dad also served in Thailand and other South East Asian Countries.